Selectably configured concealed weapons case

ABSTRACT

A weapons case for carrying a concealed weapon. The weapons case includes a closure flap, one or more access panels, an ammunition holder, and a weapon stabilizer. Each access panel includes a first sub-panel, a second sub-panel, and a sub-panel fastener configured to selectively connect to each of the sub-panels and further configured to transition between an open position and a closed position. When the sub-panel fastener is in the open position, the contents of the weapons case are accessible and visible. When the sub-panel fastener is in the closed position, the contents of the weapons case are inaccessible and not visible.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Present Invention

The present invention generally relates to the field of hand gun holsters, and more particularly to an improved case selectably configured for use with concealed weapons.

2. History of Related Art

The use of a holster for carrying a hand gun and other weapons on a person's body is well known. While many holsters are adapted to support the hand gun or other weapon in a visible location on the person's body, other holsters are designed to be worn under a coat or trouser leg in an attempt to conceal the fact that a hand gun or other weapon is being carried. In certain instances, the concealment is desired (as in the case of plain clothed law enforcement officers). In other instances, the concealment is required by law (as in the case of certain state laws and regulations involving concealed hand guns).

Typically, when a hand gun or weapon is carried in a concealed manner, the attempted concealment is not always effective. This is due to the fact that the typical hand gun and holster combination are bulky and may often produce a recognizable bulge when worn under a coat jacket or shirt. Moreover, while the holster usually facilitates the quick retrieval of the hand gun or weapon, the combined bulk of the holster and the hand gun or weapon is not always comfortable to the individual wearing the holster in the concealed location. This level of discomfort usually rises considerably in warmer climates. Further, such hand gun and holster combinations often times fail to comply fully with applicable laws regulating the carrying of concealed weapons. These laws may require that the hand gun or weapon (when worn on the person) must not be openly discernible to the ordinary observation of a reasonable person. For the reasons stated above, this requirement is not always met.

One alternative is to forego the holster and carry the hand gun or weapon in a purse or other similar bag. While a purse or other similar bag will typically keep the hand gun or weapon well concealed and not openly discernable to the ordinary observation of a reasonable person, it is usually difficult to maintain the hand gun or weapon in secure position when it is being carried inside a purse or other similar bag and even more difficult to quickly retrieve the hand gun or weapon when desired. These problems may be aggravated depending on the size of the purse or other similar bag and by other items also being carried in the purse or other similar bag.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial for a case configured to be worn on a person's body that not only effectively conceals a hand gun or weapon stored within the case, but also maintains the hand gun or weapon in a secure position and that can be selectively configured to permit the easy and quick retrieval of the hand gun or weapon by either hand of the person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure and operation of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention depicting a side access panel and the front panel, and with the closure flap in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention depicting the rear panel;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention depicting a side access panel, the snap, the snap receiver, and the ammunition holder with the closure flap in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an individual with the preferred embodiment of the present invention selectively attached to the individual's belt;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention depicting the weapon stabilizer securing a hand gun inside the present invention with the closure flap in an open position; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention depicting the snap, the snap receiver, the ammunition holder, and the weapon stabilizer with the closure flap in a closed position and a sub-panel fastener in the open position.

While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed. On the contrary, the invention is limited only by the claim language.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, the present invention contemplates a weapons case that has a weapon stabilizer and multiple access panels and is configured for carrying a weapon in a concealed manner on a person's body. The weapons case permits the weapon to be maintained in a secure position while inside the weapons case and can be configured to permit the quick retrieval of the weapon by either hand of the person. Throughout the description and the drawings, elements which are the same will be accorded the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Weapons case 100 includes closure flap 105, front panel 115, access panels 125 and 145, bottom panel 120, and rear panel 200 (which is depicted in FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of front panel 115, access panels 125 and 145, bottom panel 120, and rear panel 200 have an inner and an outer face and further have a first, second, third, and fourth edge.

In this preferred embodiment, (i) the first edge of access panel 125 is connected to the first edge of rear panel 200; the third edge of access panel 125 is connected to the first edge of front panel 115; and the second edge of access panel 125 is connected to the first edge of bottom panel 120; (ii) the first edge of access panel 145 is connected to the third edge of rear panel 200; the third edge of access panel 145 is connected to the third edge of front panel 115; and the second edge of access panel 145 is connected to the third edge of bottom panel 120; (iii) the second edge of rear panel 200 is connected to the fourth edge of bottom panel 120; (iv) the second edge of front panel 115 is connected to the second edge of bottom panel 120; and (v) the fourth edge of rear panel 200 includes closure flap 105 which closure flap 105 is configured to selectively attach to the outer face of front panel 115 using snap 110.

When attached to the outer face of front panel 115 using snap 110, closure flap 105 may form openings 140 and 150 directly above access panels 125 and 145, respectively. In this preferred embodiment, each of the inner faces of front panel 115, access panels 125 and 145, bottom panel 120, and rear panel 200 face one another and form an enclosure configured to receive a weapon. In this preferred embodiment, weapons case 100 is approximately 5 inches (127 mm) wide, 6 inches (152.4 mm) tall, and 1 inch (25.4 mm) deep and each panel is constructed with leather panels wherein the edges of each panel are connected as referenced above with stitches and wherein each panel is of a sufficient thickness to conceal any bulging from a weapon pressing against the panel. Other embodiments may be selectively sized and constructed from materials and connected by glue, fasteners, and other attachment methods well known in the relevant art as necessary to accommodate the intended weapon and prevent recognizable bulging. Further, it will be noted by those with ordinary skill in the relevant art, that weapons case 100 may be formed by one continuous panel having the closure flap and access panel features set forth herein and that not all portions of the edges of the panels of weapons case 100 may be attached to the corresponding edge of the applicable panels referenced above. As used herein, the term “weapons case” is intended to mean all such cases as well as any enclosure that includes one or more parts, can be selectively attached to a person's body or clothing, and that is configured to carry a weapon inside the enclosure in concealed manner.

Access panel 125 of weapons case 100 further includes access tab 135 connected to sub-panel fastener 130. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when access tab 135 is pulled in a downward manner, sub-panel fastener 130 transitions to an open position and creates an opening in access panel 125 so at to permit access into weapons case 100. It will be appreciated, that access tab 135 and sub-panel fastener 130 allow one to access the contents of weapons case 100 without having to access snap 110 and lift closure flap 105, thereby facilitating the quick retrieval of the contents of weapons case 100. Access panel 125 is described in more detail in FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Rear panel 200 includes belt slots 205 and 210 which are accessed from the outer face of rear panel 200 and which are configured to receive a belt or other strap in order to selectively mount weapons case 100 to the wearer's body. Belt slots 205 and 210 are preferably sized and located substantially parallel and in proximity to one another in order to accommodate a wide belt or other strap and to minimize the lateral movement of weapons case 100 when mounted to the wearer's body. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of belt slots 205 and 210 are 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) wide and 2 inches (50.8 mm) long and are positioned approximately 2 (50.8 mm) inches apart. Belt panel 210 is mounted on the inner face of rear panel 200. Belt panel 210 prevents the openings created by belt slots 205 and 210 from extending into the interior of weapons case 100. In a the preferred embodiment of the present invention, belt panel 210 is constructed of leather and glued to inner face of rear panel 200. In other embodiments, belt panel 210 may be omitted or may be constructed from other materials and connected by glue, fasteners, and other attachment methods well known in the relevant art as necessary to seal the inner face of rear panel 200. Further, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, belt slots 205 and 210 may be replaced or supplemented by additional mounting means such as clip or loop mechanism for mounting weapons case 100 to the wearer's body.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Closure flap 105 of rear panel 200 is shown in a closed position. In this closed position, snap 110 is operatively connected to snap receiver 305, and closure flap 105 forms opening 140. Snap receiver 305 is mounted on front panel 115 in a position so as to receive snap 110. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, snap 110 is a cap fastener and snap receiver 305 is a corresponding socket or stud fastener, both of which are well known and widely available. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, closure flap 105 may be operatively connected to front panel 115 with hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro®), buttons, and the like. This preferred embodiment includes ammunition holder 320 connected to the inner face of closure flap 105. Ammunition holder 320 is discussed in more detail in FIG. 5.

Access panel 125 includes sub-panels 310 and 315. It will be noted that in this preferred embodiment, sub-panels 310 and 315 substantially extend the longitudinal length of access panel 125. Access tab 135 is connected to one end of sub-panel fastener 130. Sub-panel fastener 130 may be selectively maintained between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, sub-panel fastener 130 creates an opening between sub-panels 310 and 315, thereby allowing one to access the contents of weapons case 100 without having to access snap 110 and snap receiver 305 in order to lift closure flap 105.

When in the closed position, sub-panel fastener 130 joins sub-panels 310 and 315, thereby preventing access to the contents of weapons case 100. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, access tab 135 is used to selectively transition sub-panel fastener 130 between an open position and a closed position. In this preferred embodiment, sub-panel fastener 130 is constructed of a material similar to sub-panels 310 and 315 and is selectively joined to sub-panels 310 and 315 using hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, sub-panel fastener 130 may include a zipper. It will be appreciated that the width of sub-panel fastener 130 may be increased and the width of sub-panels 310 and 315 decreased to facilitate access to and removal of the contents of weapons case 100 when sub-panel fastener 130 is maintained in the open position. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, access panel 145 includes an access tab, sub-panels, and a sub-panel fastener as shown with respect to access panel 125, and thereby, permits the contents of weapons case 100 to be accessed from either of access panels 125 or 145.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of an individual with the preferred embodiment of the present invention selectively attached to the individual's belt. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, belt 400 is passed through belt slots 205 and 210 (not shown) so that the outer face of front panel 115 faces away from the individual and the outer face of rear panel 200 faces the individual. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contents of weapons case 100 may be accessed using closure flap 105 or through either of access panels 125 and 145. As such, it will be appreciated that the contents of weapons case 100 are readily accessible by either hand of the individual wearing the weapons case regardless of the orientation or location of the weapons case on the individual's body.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with closure flap 105 in the open position. Weapons case 100 includes ammunition holder 320 connected to the inner face of rear panel 200 with stitching. In an alternative embodiment, ammunition holder 320 may be connected to any of the inner faces of front panel 115, access panels 125 and 145, bottom panel 120, and rear panel 200 with such connection being accomplished by glue, fasteners, and other attachment methods well known in the relevant art. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, ammunition holder 320 is a loop constructed of leather and is configured to receive and securely hold the ammunition corresponding to the weapon to be carried within weapons case 100. In an alternative embodiment, ammunition holder 320 is constructed of elastic or similar flexible material. Weapon stabilizer 505 is configured to be placed inside weapons case 100 so that weapon 510 is lodged against the inner face of applicable front panel 115, access panels 125 and 145, bottom panel 120, and rear panel 200.

Weapon stabilizer 505 may be further configured to accommodate unique features of weapon 510 so as to better secure weapon 510 from unwanted movement while located inside weapons case 100. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, weapon stabilizer 505 is configured to secure the handle of weapon 510 in a position that facilitates the withdrawal of weapon 510 when accessed from access panel 125. In one embodiment of the present invention, weapon stabilizer 505 may be selectively attached against one or more of the inner faces of front panel 115, access panels 125 and 145, bottom panel 120, and rear panel 200 using hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®; with such hook and loop fasteners facilitating the placement of weapon stabilizer 505 as needed to secure weapon 510 from unwanted movement. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, weapon stabilizer 505 is made from a light weight foam and contacts the inner faces of both front panel 115 and rear panel 200 when secured inside weapons case 100. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, weapon stabilizer 505 may be configured so as to permit orientation of the handle of weapon 510 towards either of access panels 125 and 145 as desired by the wearer, thus permitting the weapon to be easily withdrawn by either hand of the wearer.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention depicting closure flap 105 in a closed position and a sub-panel fastener 130 in an open position. Sub-panel fastener 130 is removably attached to sub-panels 310 and 315, respectively, using hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®. Weapon stabilizer 505 is shown selectably attached to the front panel 115, bottom panel 120, and rear panel 200 and secures weapon 510 from unwanted movement. When sub-panel fastener 130 is transitioned to a closed position, it will be appreciated that weapon 510 and weapon stabilizer 505 will neither be visible nor accessible through access panel 125.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the present invention contemplates a weapons case that has a weapon stabilizer, an ammunition holder, and multiple access panels, is configured for carrying a weapon in a concealed manner on a person's body, permits the weapon to be maintained in a secure position while inside the weapons case, and can be configured to permit the quick retrieval of the weapon by either hand of the person.

It is understood that the forms of the invention shown and described in the detailed description and the drawings are to be taken merely as presently preferred examples and that the invention is limited only by the language of the claims. While the present invention has been described in terms of one preferred embodiment and a few variations thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that form and detail modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 

1. A weapons case for carrying a concealed weapon, said weapons case comprising: a closure flap; an access panel; and a weapon stabilizer.
 2. The weapons case of claim 1, wherein said access panel further comprises: a first sub-panel; a second sub-panel; and a sub-panel fastener configured to selectively connect to said first sub-panel and said second sub-panel and to transition between an open position and a closed position.
 3. The weapons case of claim 2, wherein when said sub-panel fastener is in said open position, a concealed weapon carried within said weapons case is accessible and visible and further wherein when said sub-panel fastener is in said closed position, said concealed weapon is inaccessible and not visible.
 4. The weapon case of claim 1, wherein said weapon stabilizer is configured to selectively attach to the inside of said weapons case and to secure a concealed weapon carried within said weapons case from unwanted movement.
 5. The weapons case of claim 4, wherein said weapon stabilizer attaches to the inside of said weapons case with a hook and loop fastener.
 6. The weapons case of claim 1 further comprising an ammunition holder.
 7. The weapons case of claim 6, wherein said ammunition holder is attached to the inside of said weapons case.
 8. The weapons case of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of belt slots.
 9. The weapons case of claim 8 further comprising a belt panel configured to cover said belt slots.
 10. A weapons case comprising: a closure flap; a front panel; a first access panel; a second access panel; a bottom panel; a rear panel; a weapon stabilizer; and wherein each of said front panel, said plurality of access panels, said bottom panel, and said rear panel have an inner and an outer face and further have a first, second, third, and fourth edge; and further wherein said first edge of said first access panel is connected to said first edge of said rear panel; said third edge of said first access panel is connected to said first edge of said front panel; and said second edge of said first access panel is connected to said first edge of said bottom panel; and further wherein said first edge of said second access panel is connected to said third edge of said rear panel; the third edge of said second access panel is connected to said third edge of said front panel; and said second edge of said second access panel is connected to said third edge of said bottom panel; and further wherein said second edge of said rear panel is connected to said fourth edge of said bottom panel and said second edge of said front panel is connected to said second edge of said bottom panel; and further wherein said fourth edge of said rear panel includes said closure flap; further wherein said closure flap is configured to selectively attach to the outer face of said front panel using said snap; and further wherein said weapon stabilizer is configured to attached to said inner faces of said front panel, said rear panel, said first and second access panels, and said bottom panel and further configured to secure the handle of a weapon carried within said weapons case in a position that facilitates the withdrawal of said weapon when said weapon is accessed from either of said first access panel or said second access panel.
 11. The weapons case of claim 10 further wherein said rear panel include a plurality of belt slots.
 12. The weapons case of claim 11 further comprising a belt panel attached to said inner face of said rear panel wherein said belt panel covers said plurality of belt slots.
 13. The weapons case of claim 10 wherein said first access panel further comprises: a first sub-panel; a second sub-panel; a sub-panel fastener; and an access tab connected to said sub-panel fastener.
 14. The weapons case of claim 13 wherein said first sub-panel and said second sub-panel substantially extend the longitudinal length of said first access panel, and further wherein said sub-panel fastener is configured to selectively connect to said first sub-panel and said second sub-panel and to transition between an open position and a closed position.
 15. The weapons case of claim 13, wherein when said sub-panel fastener is in said open position, a concealed weapon carried within said weapons case is accessible and visible and further wherein when said sub-panel fastener is in said closed position, said concealed weapon is inaccessible and not visible.
 16. The weapons case of claim 13, wherein said sub-panel fastener is selectively connected to said first sub-panel and said second sub-panel using hook and loop fasteners.
 17. The weapons case of claim 13, wherein said sub-panel fastener includes a zipper.
 18. The weapons case of claim 10 further comprising an ammunition holder.
 19. The weapons case of claim 18, wherein said ammunition holder is attached to the inside face of said rear panel.
 20. The weapons case of claim 10, wherein said closure flap, said front panel, said first access panel, said second access panel, said bottom panel, and said rear panel are constructed of leather configured to prevent recognizable bulging caused by a weapon carried within said weapons case. 